A man from Seattle decided to test an unusual idea after growing tired of rising rent and grocery bills. He wanted to know if living in an all-inclusive resort could cost less than staying in his own apartment. When he posted the thought on TikTok, Expedia noticed and offered to cover the cost so he could put the theory into action.
Ben Keenan spent nearly a month at a resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and documented each day online. He tried to follow his regular Monday-to-Friday routine to keep the comparison fair. His videos showed what life looked like when lodging, meals, drinks, and entertainment were all included. He also counted things he normally pays for, such as a gym membership and transportation.
The room he stayed in was close in size to his apartment back in Seattle. At home, his monthly expenses run about $4,100. That includes rent, utilities, and car payments. At the resort, the total came to about $4,900 for the month, not including airfare.
Ben noted that his stay was booked close to the travel date. He believes he could have saved a few hundred dollars by planning earlier, which might make the numbers more competitive. He also pointed out that a resort offers extras such as events, pools, room service, and daily housekeeping, which aren’t part of his normal expenses.
In the end, his experience was not cheaper than living at home, but he said results will vary. With U.S. rents still above $2,000 a month in many areas, he understands why people are exploring creative ways to manage rising costs.
